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Last Name Quiquemelle

What is the origin of the last name Quiquemelle?

The surname Quiquemelle is of French origin. It is derived from a place name, specifically the commune of Quiquempois in the Pas-de-Calais region of France. Surnames originated as a way to distinguish individuals within communities during the Middle Ages. They often evolved from occupations, geographical locations, or personal characteristics. In this case, the surname Quiquemelle likely originated from someone who lived in or was associated with the town of Quiquempois.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Quiquemelle

The meaning and origin of the last name Quiquemelle

The surname Quiquemelle is of French origin, specifically from the Normandy region. It's derived from a geographical location or a topographic feature, suggesting that an early ancestor resided near such a place or was identified by it. The name is believed to be derived from either "le moulin Quiquemelle," meaning the mill of Quiquemelle, or "Quiquemelle forest," referring to a specific location where the family lived. Over time, this surname has been spelled in various ways including Quiquemelle, Kikemel, and Keukemael. The name is relatively rare outside of France, but its roots are deeply embedded in the French cultural and historical context.

Geographical distribution of the last name Quiquemelle

The surname Quiquemelle is predominantly found in France, particularly in the region of Normandy where it originated. It is believed to be derived from the town of Quincy-Sous-Senailly in the Eure department. Over time, families with the name Quiquemelle have migrated and settled across various regions within France. Outside of France, there are notable concentrations of the surname in Canada, particularly in Quebec, where French immigrants brought the name to New France in the 17th century. The presence of Quiquemelles can also be found in countries with a significant French-Canadian diaspora, such as the United States and Australia. In these regions, the spelling may have evolved slightly due to language variations. However, it remains a relatively uncommon surname on a global scale.

Variants and spellings of the last name Quiquemelle

The surname Quiquemelle has various spelling variations due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Here are some of them:

1. Quiquemelle - This is the most common spelling, originating from France.
2. Quiquemelle - A slightly altered spelling with a reversed 'q' and 'u'.
3. Kikemel - An alternative spelling that may have arisen from phonetic or linguistic adaptations in different regions.
4. Cyquemeal, Kyquemeal, Keukemael, Keyquemeal - These are variations that might have been influenced by regional dialects and pronunciation differences within France.
5. Quicomelle, Quicoquelle, Quikomel, Kikomel - These spellings could represent phonetic transcriptions of the original name in various languages or dialects.
6. Keukemale, Quicontele - These are less common variations that may have evolved from regional pronunciation differences or transcription errors over time.
7. Ciquemelle, Cyquemaele - These spellings might represent attempts to correct the spelling based on modern conventions but still retain some of the original phonetic sounds.

Famous people with the last name Quiquemelle

Notable individuals with the surname Quiquemelle include:

1. Pierre Quiquemelle (1897-1983), a French resistance fighter during World War II, who was awarded the Croix de Guerre and the Médaille de la Résistance for his actions.
2. Charles Quiquemelle (born 1946), a Canadian political figure who served as the Member of Parliament for Timmins—James Bay from 2008 to 2015, representing the Liberal Party of Canada.
3. Michel Quiquemelle (born 1949), a French politician who has served as a member of the National Assembly of France since 2017, representing the department of Pas-de-Calais for the Socialist Party.
4. Émile Quiquemelle (1863-1933), a French sculptor known for his work on monuments and public statues, including a statue of Jeanne d'Arc in Vichy.
5. Henriette Quiquemelle (born 1947), a French actress who has appeared in numerous films and television series, including the French miniseries "Marie Antoinette" and the film "L'Amour en Fuite."

Genealogical research on the last name Quiquemelle

The surname Quiquemelle is of French origin and is believed to have derived from various locations named Quiquemelle or Quiquemelle across northern France, primarily in Normandy and Picardy regions. Some of the earliest known instances of this surname include Guichamelis de Quiquemelle in 1206, and Guillaume Quiquemelle in 1235. Throughout history, significant figures bearing the name Quiquemelle have emerged, including Nicolas Antoine Quiquemelle (1748-1820), a French naval officer who fought during the American Revolutionary War and the Napoleonic Wars. The Quiquemelle family also includes several notable artists, such as Jean-Baptiste Quiquemelle (1698-1765), a famous painter of the Rococo period in France. The Quiquemelle name has been predominantly found among French settlers in Canada and their descendants, with various branches spreading to other parts of North America and beyond.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 28 July 2025

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